La. R. Dist. Ct. 12.0

As amended through October 31, 2024

Rule 12.0 - Deposit for Jury Costs

In a civil case, the court shall fix an amount to cover the costs related to the jury, clerk of court, and sheriff. The court may not require that the bond be filed or the costs paid more than 180 days before trial. The failure to pay these costs timely will constitute a waiver of trial by jury.

La. Dist. Ct. 12.0

Adopted April 1, 2002, effective 4/1/2002; amended June 2, 2003, effective 7/1/2003; amended November 3, 2008, effective 1/1/2009; amended November 20, 2009, effective 1/1/2010; amended November 21, 2011, effective 1/1/2012.

Comments

(a) La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 1734 provides that the jury bond shall be filed no later than sixty days before trial. La. Code Civ. Proc. art. 1734.1 provides that the court may order, in lieu of the bond required in Article 1734, that a cash deposit for costs be made no later than thirty days prior to trial. Rule 12.0 provides further guidance by stating that the bond need not be filed or the costs need not be paid more than 180 days before trial. Of course, the jury bond may be filed at the time of filing, at the discretion of counsel.

(b) La. R.S. 13:3105 sets the compensation to jurors in civil cases in Orleans Parish at $16.00 per day. La. R.S. 13:3049 states that jurors shall be paid $25.00 per day and that they should be reimbursed at a mileage rate not less than $.16 a mile and not more than the rate in effect for state officials.